India Rises to 9th Position Globally in Total Forest Area: FAO Report

Bhubaneswar: India has achieved a remarkable milestone in global environmental conservation, securing the 9th position worldwide in terms of total forest area, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav shared the development on social media platform ‘X’, highlighting India’s progress in strengthening its green cover and promoting ecological sustainability.

In the previous assessment, India was ranked 10th. The country has not only moved up one position in total forest area but also retained its 3rd position globally in annual forest area gain, reaffirming its strong commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship.

Yadav emphasized that this achievement reflects the success of the Government of India’s focused policies and programmes under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Various initiatives promoting forest protection, afforestation, and community-led environmental action have contributed to this consistent growth.

The Minister further noted that the Prime Minister’s campaign “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” and his consistent call for environmental consciousness have inspired millions of citizens to engage in tree plantation drives and forest conservation efforts. This widespread public participation has fostered a collective responsibility towards creating a greener and more sustainable future.

India’s steady progress in expanding forest cover comes as a result of coordinated efforts by the Central and State Governments, policy reforms, and the active involvement of communities across the country. The recognition from the FAO reaffirms India’s position as a global leader in biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental practices.